England round-up: Owen ends goal drought in style

Michael Owen ended his goal drought in dramatic fashion today as the England striker struck a hat-trick in Liverpool FC's 3-0 win at Manchester City FC after Arsenal FC, the English Premiership leaders, had crushed Leeds United AFC 4-1 earlier in the day.

Vintage form
Owen, who had not scored a league goal in open play this season and missed a penalty in last weekend's defeat of West Bromwich Albion FC, was in vintage form as Liverpool stayed within two points of Arsenal, the reigning champions. Both teams are unbeaten after seven matches.

Clinical finish
Owen poached from close range and also finished clinically on the break as he silenced critics of his form since the FIFA World Cup finals. Liverpool's victory left them on 18 points, trailing an Arsenal side on 20 who silenced Elland Road with a majestic display in Yorkshire.

Record breakers
In winning at Leeds, the north London club broke Chesterfield FC's record of scoring in 46 successive league games, and also beat Nottingham Forest FC's top-flight record of 22 away games unbeaten. Arsène Wenger's side also equalled Manchester United FC's Premiership record of 29 consecutive games without defeat.

Early lead
Arsenal took up where they left off after Wednesday's resounding 4-0 win against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, taking the lead after only eight minutes through Nwankwo Kanu. Kolo Touré doubled Arsenal's lead ten minutes later before Thierry Henry ended the game as a contest just after the break. Harry Kewell struck a late consolation for Leeds but there was still time for Kanu to score his second of the game.

Africans on target
Middlesbrough FC, on 14 points, lie a surprise third on goal difference after a 3-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC at White Hart Lane. Cameroonian internationals Joseph-Desiré Job and Geremi scored second-half goals to add to Massimo Maccarone's opener after 31 minutes.

United climb
Manchester United FC moved up to fourth after recovering from a goal down to beat Charlton Athletic FC 3-1. Claus Jensen had given the home side the lead two minutes before half-time with a superb curling shot, but Paul Scholes scored early in the second half. Ryan Giggs then added the second, accepting a pass from substitute Ruud van Nistelrooij. Provider then turned scorer as the Dutchman struck in added time.

Warmed up for Juventus
Newcastle United FC, one of three sides in the UEFA Champions League yet to win a point after two matches, warmed up for Tuesday's meeting with Juventus FC in Turin with a 2-0 win against Birmingham City FC. Nolberto Solano opened the scoring in the first half at St Andrews before Shola Ameobi secured Newcastle's first win on the road this season in the final minute.

Two for Di Canio
Two fine goals from Paolo di Canio gave West Ham United FC their first win of the season as they inflicted Chelsea FC's first defeat with a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge. Struggling Sunderland AFC gained a much-needed 1-0 home win over Aston Villa FC, David Bellion hitting a stunning goal on his Premiership debut, while Everton FC beat Fulham FC 2-0 and Southampton FC drew 1-1 at Bolton Wanderers FC.